UK set to increase training to ISF

The UK is set to increase its support to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), by pledging over 30 troops to provide more training in the fight to defeat ISIL. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon authorised the release of extra personnel to provide training in areas such as logistics and bridge building, as well as specialist medical staff. The troops are expected to be deployed to training locations at Besmayah and Taji. Currently over 300 UK forces personnel are already helping to provide the ISF with infantry skills, counter Improvised Explosives and weapons maintenance. The training programmes have saved lives and supported recent successful operations on the ground such as the retaking of Ramadi. Fallon said: “We’ve seen solid progress against ISIL in Iraq in recent months. Now is the time to step up our training of Iraqi Forces, as they prepare for operations in key cities such as Fallujah and Mosul. “Along with the trebling of UK air strikes, this underlines the crucial role our armed forces are playing in the fight against ISIL.” So far the British army has helped train over 6,500 ISF personnel to data, while the RAF has flown around 2,200 missions against ISIL in Iraq and Syria, carrying out more than 640 strikes.